Pakistan condemns Motiur Rehman Nizami’s hanging in Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the execution of the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Motiur Rehman Nizami in Bangladesh, while Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan termed the hanging ‘inhumane’ and a ‘violation of international laws’.

“Nizami’s main fault was his support for a united Pakistan, while it is against the spirit of democracy to hand death sentences through an unfair trial,” said the FO spokesperson while expressing deep regret over it. “Bangladesh signed a treaty in 1974 assuring not to hold such trials.”

He said that hanging of Motiur Rehman Nizami was ‘inhumane’ and a ‘violation of international laws’, adding, “The Bangladeshi government is victimizing JI leaders for their loyalty with united Pakistan in 1971.”

Nisar urged the world fraternity to raise their voice against inhumane policies of the Hasina regime in Bangladesh.

NA, Punjab pass condemnation resolutions

On Wednesday, the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan and the Punjab Assembly passed separate resolutions to condemn the execution of Motiur Rehman Nizami.

The NA resolution reiterated that Bangladesh was targeting and punishing people for their loyalty with Pakistan.

The Punjab Assembly resolution came out much stronger and demanded that Pakistan expel the ambassador of Bangladesh and declare Nizami a martyr. Opposition leader Mahmood-ur-Rasheed said that Nizami had dedicated his life for the service of Islam and Pakistan.

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Protests and funeral prayers in absentia

Siraj-ul-Haq, emir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) led funeral prayers in absentia of Nizami in Lahore. He said that Pakistan was the name of an ideology and not just a place.

Addressing a demonstration in Gujranwala, JI Secretary General Liaquat Baloch said that Sheikh Hasina is causing damage to herself by the killing of JI activists. He added that India was gaining a foothold in Bangladesh.

Baloch said it was unfortunate that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif still desires to have cordial relations with India.

Several cities of Pakistan including Multan, Vehari and Sukkur witnessed protests to expressing outrage over the execution of Motiur Rehman Nizami. In Hyderabad, workers and supporters of JI protested outside the press club holding placards and shouting slogans against the Bangladeshi government.

Another protest was held in Quetta at Bacha Khan roundabout where the participants urged the United Nations (UN) to halt the executions. Funeral prayers in absentia of senior JI Bangladesh leader were also offered in Karachi.